FC0-U71 Tech Concepts and Terminology Practice Question
Which type of memory is volatile and loses its data when the computer is turned off?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is conflating 'memory' with 'storage' — candidates may pick SSD or HDD thinking of where data is 'stored,' but the question asks about volatile working memory, which is RAM.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile semiconductor memory that requires continuous power to retain its contents; when the computer is powered off, all data stored in RAM is lost. This is why unsaved work disappears on a power failure. ROM, by contrast, is non-volatile and retains firmware even without power.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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SSD
Why it's wrong here
An SSD is non-volatile flash storage, retaining data without power, so it does not meet the volatility requirement. It is tempting because SSDs are fast and sit close to the CPU in modern systems, but they are secondary storage, not the volatile working memory the question describes.
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ROM
Why it's wrong here
ROM is non-volatile, retaining firmware through power loss, so it cannot lose data when the computer is switched off. It is tempting because ROM is memory and holds boot instructions, but its defining trait is persistence, the opposite of the volatility the question requires.
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HDD
Why it's wrong here
An HDD is secondary storage, not memory, and retains data magnetically when powered down. It is tempting because the question asks about data loss on shutdown and HDDs hold the operating system, but the stem specifies volatile memory, which HDDs are not.
- ✓
RAM
Why this is correct
RAM stores data only while powered, since each cell relies on continuous electrical charge or refresh to hold its state. Removing power clears that charge, so all contents are lost — the defining volatile behaviour the question asks for.
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This FC0-U71 question is part of Courseiva's 988-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.